In their latest weather advisory, the Kenya Meteorological Department has warned of strong winds and large waves that could lead to massive damage and marine disruption over the next six days.
The advisory, released on Friday, June 13, revealed that the strong winds could blow off roofs, uproot trees, and cause structural damage.
Also, the weatherman raised an alarm over the large waves, whose effects included lower visibility and disruption of marine activities.
The advisory listed the Coast, North-Eastern, North-Western, and South-Eastern lowlands as regions that would be most affected by the adverse weather conditions, which have a 33 to 66 per cent chance of occurring.
Key areas of concern were the counties of Lamu, Kilifi, Mombasa, Kwale, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo, Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, Kitui, and Makueni.
Kenya Met further warned residents in the affected areas to be on the lookout, noting that the weather conditions would begin on Friday, June 13, and last until Wednesday, June 18 at 10:00am.
While detailing the forecast, Kenya Met disclosed that strong southerly winds of more than 25 knots (12.9 m/s) would be experienced over the North-Eastern, North-Western, South-Eastern lowlands and Coastal regions of Kenya on Friday, June 13.
The winds are expected to strengthen to more than 30 knots (15.4 m/s) from Saturday, June 14, to Tuesday, June 17. Wind speeds are likely to reduce to 25 knots (12.9 m/s) on Wednesday, June 18.
Meanwhile, wave heights are likely to be more than 2.5 metres over the Kenya coastal waters on Friday, June 13.
The wave heights are expected to increase to 2.8 metres from Saturday, June 14, to Tuesday, June 17. They are expected to reduce to below 2.4 metres on Wednesday, June 18.
In the previous strong winds weather advisory, the County Government of Mombasa took drastic measures, closing public beaches for two days.
Aside from the closure of the beaches, the governor announced the suspension of ocean-based activities, both commercial and recreational. Consequently, activities such as fishing and water sports were suspended for a few days.
